Where should a 'special flashing light' be mounted on a vessel in the Great Lakes Basin?

A 'special flashing light' is used primarily to indicate the presence of a vessel that is not under command, which is often a circumstance that requires clear visibility to prevent collisions. In the Great Lakes Basin, the appropriate location for mounting this type of light is at the forward end of the vessel. This positioning serves to make the vessel easily visible to other navigators coming from various directions, particularly when approaching from the bow. The forward location ensures that the light can be seen from a considerable distance ahead, alerting other vessels and helping to maintain navigational safety in potentially congested waterways.

Mounting the light at the aft end or midsection of the vessel may not provide the same visibility as a forward placement, which is crucial for conveying the status of the vessel to approaching traffic. Additionally, placing lights at both the fore and aft could lead to confusion about the vessel’s status and direction, undermining the primary purpose of the light to indicate the vessel is not under command. Thus, the forward position of the light is essential for effective communication and safety on the water.